Thunderbird: A Ben Pecos Mystery [Hardcover]

Susan Slater (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 17, 2002

A fiery crash-landing on a New Mexico Indian reservation and a Stealth Fighter suddenly becomes the center of contention between a handful of secretive Air Force brass, and tribal authorities. The military wants complete autonomy to investigate, while the tribe demands reverence for the sanctity of their land.

But Tommy Spottedhorse, a Tribal police officer, is more concerned about the disappearance of a young woman whose abandoned truck was found near the crash site. What possible connection might beautiful Brenda Begay have with this incident, and what isn't he being told by those in charge?

When a ghastly murder leaves behind clues suggesting otherworldly causes, and cattle mutilations suddenly abound, Tommy realizes he might be up against more than a few bullheaded generals. He teams with good friend, Ben Pecos, and their quest for answers leads to a chilling adventure among the ruins of the ancients.

In addition to a gripping plot, once again enjoy Susan Slater's New Mexico-rich in the color and texture of the Southwest and the beliefs of its native people.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When Indian tribal police and air force officials clash over who should investigate the crash of a Stealth fighter plane on reservation land, Tommy Spottedhorse joins forces with friend Ben Pecos (hero of The Pumpkin Seed Massacre) to sniff out clues about the disappearance of a young woman (on whom Tommy had a crush) near the wreckage. Spanning everything from identity politics to theories about aliens, Susan Slater's Thunderbird is a witty, absorbing tale.

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

When a prototype stealth fighter jet crashes on sacred Native American land near Gallup, NM, Natives and Anglos alike fear the aftershocks. Tribal policeman Tommy Spottedhorse worries about his "almost" girlfriend, who went missing after witnessing the incident, while Colonel Anderson, whose career is already under a cloud, focuses proprietarily on accounting for the dead pilot and the plane's technology. After the subsequent murder of a nearby park ranger, series sleuth Ben Pecos (The Pumpkin Seed Massacre) comes up with clues that join the two divergent paths. A solid, suspenseful narrative and colorful glimpses of Native American life strongly recommend this to fans of Southwestern mysteries.

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 280 pages
• Publisher: Intrigue Press (January 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890768413
• ISBN-13: 978-1890768416
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,450,430 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Susan Slater writes mysteries set in her beloved New Mexico--there's the highly acclaimed Ben Pecos series (first book, Pumpkin Seed Massacre, made it to the bestsellers' list in Germany, 2001), Yellow Lies, Thunderbird and a Way to the Manger. Then the two stand-alones, Flash Flood and Five O'clock Shadow. But the big news is Susan's new book, 0 to 60 (July, 2009). Her first foray into women's fiction! And already optioned by Hollywood! Susan lives thirty miles west of Taos and writes full time.